290 oil priming issue *update* ---Apology time

If the timing set is the only new part, seems the most likely culprit.  Sorry, but sounds like you need to pull the timing cover.  Suggest to remove the fuel pump first to have a look while priming, just to double-check there's no oil flow, since it needs to be removed anyway.   A mirror and a light will help.  I don't get much oil on the parts until the engine is running as it relies heavily on splash - mostly runs off the bottom when priming.

Hope this helps, RD.

 Sorry that I have lead everyone on a wild goose chase because of my inexperience. After pulling the fuel pump, getting my head and a flashlight to where I could see, and pulling the trigger on the drill at the same time, it appears that all is well. I thought that would be the case, as I pulled the fuel pump there was oil dripping, a good sign there was oil through the gears. I mistakenly thought I would see fresh oil from looking in the distributor hole, I was wrong. I now can see why some of you braze some of those radial slots on the gear!! Plenty of oil there. The 1 distributor gear hole that was visible had oil coming out also. Please accept my apology, and I truly appreciate everyone's input. I have come away from this with some new knowledge, and a bit of humility. Thanks again to all!   

J